Railway Station

As said by Bhavya

Bhavya visited her parent's house in the early 80’s. She was the mother of two small children and this time when the schools were closed for the summer holidays she took her children to have some fun in her parents’ big bungalow that had a fruit orchard and a well-maintained garden that had rich and healthy plants. Bhavya missed her lovely house where she was brought up along with her siblings.

Before she knew the holidays were over and her husband came to take his family back to Calcutta. The scheduled time for the departure of Doon Express was 20: 30. On those days tongas could be hired for a drop at the railway station. Bhabya said that her father called off their known tanga drivers. In one of them, Bhavya sat along with her children and the two bags with her. On the other her husband was alone, but he had all the luggage put on his tanga.

Due to a traffic jam, Bhavya and the others reached the station late. Her husband, Mr. Mitra was looking for a coolie but there seemed to be no one. Here it was already 8.20 and in another ten minutes the train would leave. Bhavya was carrying the younger one and the older one’s she held tight his hand. Mr. Mitra was confused as he alone would not be able to carry so much luggage. At last, a coolie came but his words were, ‘Sir, you are running late the train will leave in another 5 minutes.’ The coolie was a young sturdy man and he picked up the heavy suitcases and took one bag on his arm and the other Mr. Mitra took hold and all were walking fast. Bhavya became a bit slow managing two small children but though the coolie walked fast they missed the train.

Some advised them to hire a car and go to Doiwala where the train stops for a few minutes, but Bhavya put her foot down, so they decided to go back home. Before leaving her husband spoke to rail authorities for reserved tickets the next day. After looking hard, they did give them the next day's tickets but had to pay extra money doing so.

The following night, Bhavya and the others didn't take any chances and arrived at the station one hour early. Last evening she had asked the coolie for his name. The coolie introduced himself as Bhuvan. When they arrived at the station, Bhavya searched for Bhuvan but couldn't find him. Bhavya refused to look for another coolie and here again, they were being late. Exasperated, her husband informed Bhavya that this evening as well they wouldn't make the train.

But then after a few minutes, Bhavya saw someone running and yes it was Bhuvan. He quickly took hold of the luggage and told Mr. Mitra to follow him. He told Bhavya as she had small children, to walk at her convenience. This evening, he will make sure that they don’t miss the train. He took them to the 3 tier reserved seats put the luggage safely and then ran to help Bhavya. He took the son on his shoulders and Bhavya had her young daughter barely 2 years old. She could now walk faster.

At last, all went well.

 Bhuvan apologized for being late as his daughter had a high fever so went home to see her. There were still 10 minutes left for the train to leave and Bhavya opened her purse to give him money. She generously took out Rs 500 and handed it to Bhuvan.  Bhavya said, ‘ Go Bhuvan, and show your daughter to a good doctor and give her medicines. Look after her.’

Mr. Mitra was not quite happy with the way his wife gave so much money to a coolie who deserved much less. For Bhavya, she too is a mother, and if this helped Bhuvan then why not? It was time to leave and there was a loud rumbling noise, and slowly the train gathered speed.

Bhuvan wiped his tears and said aloud, ‘Who says there is no God?